pursuing

[ per-soo-ing ]

adjective

1. following someone or something in order to overtake, capture, woo, etc.:

   Informed via radio that the alleged crime concerned an unpaid bill, the pursuing officers took down the vehicle's license plate information and stopped the chase.

2. continuing to accompany or affect someone, as success, bad luck, or fame:

   They renewed their love, were once more torn apart by pursuing misfortune, but in the end were happily reunited.

3. following or seeming to follow someone or something with one’s eyes, voice, thoughts, etc.:

   He stared fearfully at the pursuing eyes of a portrait on the wall.

4. following or coming immediately after; ensuing:

   The program focuses on core courses in the first semester, and allows students to take their electives in the pursuing two semesters.

Other Words From

• un·pur·su·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuing¹

pursu(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

Prominent experts such as historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat say that under classic authoritarianism, the military is viewed as a tool for pursuing the leader’s own aims, rather than upholding the state’s interests and safeguarding its people.

From Los Angeles Times

We can all imagine a leader who appeals to identity issues like religion and immigration while pursuing a program of genuine economic reform.

From Salon

Macron has been described as pursuing a zigzag in his approach to the Middle East, as in many other domains, flipflopping inconsistently between outspoken statements of support for Israel and then its Arab neighbours.

From BBC

The BBC's US media partner also reported that his office would wind down the two cases it was pursuing against Trump.

From BBC

Whatever skill set Archbishop Welby may have had, in not doing enough on the important issue of safeguarding through rigorously pursuing abuse cases when they were brought to his attention and ensuring others did the same, much trust in the Church was lost.

From BBC